We have a tin can setting on the side that we turned off.  Moved everything
to the 3494 and 3590 not because the 3575 wasn't reliable, just wanted a
common platform.  Though, the AIX boys would probably go kicking and
screaming back to the 3575.  We have had some bad K tapes but only because
we had one bad shipment early in the manufacturing, about 14 months ago.  No
problems since.  We have HA on both our libraries, one full length the other
about 5 frames shorter.  Yes, they are big.  Except for the bad tape problem
everyone is pretty happy.  IBM responds to problems well, especially since
the CE lives at our site.

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Faracchio [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2002 8:21 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: 3494 Tape Library


Gene,

We replaced our twin DLT boxes (7337's?) a couple of years ago with a 3494
and a couple of 3590s and would never go back.  Reliability is good.

Other than a couple dropped tapes we have not had any robot problems until
recently.   I'm not surprised.  I tune my 3466 to be using the tape drive
constantly for one thing or the other (especially onsite/offsite pool
reclamation)

Recently we have had a motor and a belt replaced.  I think there was
something else done but can't remember what it was.  To me this is OK and
within my expectations.  IBM was very responsive.  When my robot can't mount
a tape (that may be for a user's restore request) I make it a Sev-1 and IBM
comes out and starts working on it ASAP.

The 3590 drives are great.  I have some (about 3 out of 900 in 3 years)
tapes that get flaky and have to be chucked out but I have never lost any
data.   (Something about VCR?)   I'll take servo-track any day!!!!!

I think its only expensive getting started.  that first box with controller
is a killer.  But remember you can add 8 more frames before IBM makes you
buy another robot.  We got 2 extra drives (K) on the used market (certified)
and paid 1/3 list!!!.  :-) Second frame was only 20-30K.

                ... joe.f.


Joseph A Faracchio,  Systems Programmer, UC Berkeley
Private mail on any topic should be directed to :
         [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 (510)642-7638 (W)  (209)483-JOEF (M)
                             5633
  I retire from UC Berkeley March 20th. .... then ...

    "Would you like fries with that order?"
    "Can I super-size it for you"

    is my new mantra!!!!   :-)

On Fri, 1 Feb 2002, Gene Greenberg wrote:

> SMers
>
> I'm currently using a 3575 tape library and have to make or not make a
> recommendation to move to a 3494 library.
>
> For those who have one already I'd be interested in your eval of the
> 3494, good, bad or indefferent.
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Gene
>

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